Is our increasing use of digital media (internet, video games, smart phones, TV , etc.) good or bad for us ?

SU014 - BA 353 TERM PAPER

Page 1 of 4

TOPIC Is our increasing use of digital media (internet, video games, smart phones, TV, etc.) good or bad for us?

DIRECTIONS Write a persuasive paper on the topic above. You must take a position either pro or con. Use at least six sources (see supplied Term Paper Sources document in Blackboard as a starting point). Avoid long quotes from your sources. See the “Persuasive Writing Tips” section to guide the process.

Final paper needs to be submitted as a hard copy and electronic copy.

Word Count: 1500-2000 (does not include citations)

FORMAT OF FINAL PAPER

 Title Typed and double spaced

 Word count at the end of the paper

 Use the APA or MLA format for citations (see part 5 of PCBR)

 Stapled

TIME LINE 8/5 – Outline due – 50 points. Typed and stapled. See example in Blackboard.

This is to be a detailed and polished. It is expected you will have done the majority of your research; gathering the necessary evidence and organizing your thoughts regarding the introduction, body, and conclusion. If done correctly the outline will get you through the “heavy lifting” allowing you to focus on the writing once it is complete. At a minimum the outline should include:

Introduction:

 Hook

 Thesis statement clearly stated with sufficient detail Body:

 Clear statement for each argument/reason supporting your opinion (there should be many). o Topic sentence explaining your argument/reason. o Evidence and details supporting your argument. Should be multiple and a variety (i.e.

experts, statistics, survey, comparisons, anecdote, etc.). Remember, to be judicious with your quoting (no long quotes).

o Possible counter arguments and your rebuttal and or concession.

 Address any other possible counter arguments not tied specifically to one of your arguments/ reasons.

Conclusion:

 Restatement of thesis (say it a different way) and summary of main points.

 Refer back to hook.

 Personal comment or call for action (see below for detail on what this might be).

Citations and bibliography (does not need to be in MLA format, author and URL or title will suffice). Need to have a minimum of five credible sources.

Outline should be well written and organized. Grammar, spelling, and punctuation count.

SU014 - BA 353 TERM PAPER

Page 2 of 4

TIME LINE (CON’T)

8/14 – Final Paper Due – 100 points

PERSUASIVE WRITING TIPS Definition:

Persuasive writing seeks to convince its readers to embrace the point-of-view presented by appealing to the audience’s reason and understanding through argument.

In order to convince the reader you need more than opinion; you need facts and examples to back your opinion. So, be sure to do your research!

Basic Structure:

The basic structure of a persuasive piece is:

1. Introduction – this is where the thesis statement is made.

2. Body –the evidence to support the opinion/thesis.

3. Conclusion – summarizes the main points.

Introduction:

The introduction needs to have a “hook or grabber” to catch the reader’s attention and perhaps create a sense of urgency. “Grabbers” can include:

1. Opening with an unusual detail: (Minnesota, because of its cold climate, is not thought of as a great place to be a reptile. Actually, it has the largest seasonal congregation of garter snakes in the world!)

2. Opening with a strong statement: (Cigarettes are the number one cause of lighter sales in Canada!)

3. Opening with a quotation: (Elbert Hubbard once said, "Truth is stronger than fiction.")

4. Opening with an anecdote or story: An anecdote can provide an amusing and attention-getting opening if it is short and to the point.

5. Opening with a statistic or fact: Sometimes a statistic or fact will add emphasis or interest to your topic. It may be wise to include the item's authoritative source.

6. Opening with a question. (Have you ever considered how many books we'd read if it were not for television?).

The introduction should also include a thesis. There are four objectives of a thesis statement:

1. It tells the reader the specific topic of your essay – i.e. your thesis.

2. It imposes manageable limits on that topic.

3. It suggests the organization of your paper.

4. It provides background information if needed.

Through the thesis the writer “frames” the issue and says to the reader: "I've thought about this topic, I know what I believe about it, and I know how to organize it."

Example Introduction:

More people die on Greek roads in a single year than all the U.S. soldiers killed in Iraq since the fighting began. In this paper I will describe the road conditions and the mentality that leads to this unnecessary, and certainly avoidable, killing.

SU014 - BA 353 TERM PAPER

Page 3 of 4

The polar ice cap has experienced a greater loss of ice in the last five years than in the preceding five centuries. The earth’s environment is besieged with an array of problems, of all these global warming is the most distressing. Many scientists believe the earth is getting warmer because of the greenhouse effect. It is my contention the greenhouse effect is not only warming the earth, but that the primary driver of this effect is humankind. In this paper I will look at historical global temperature data, describe the greenhouse effect and its connection to global warming, and clearly outline the role humans have played in fostering the greenhouse effect.

Body:

In the body of the paper the writer provides evidence and reasoning to support the thesis statement. REMEMBER, statements that start with “I believe”, “I think”, “I feel”, etc. don’t cut it, unless supported with credible evidence. It is in the body of the paper that the writer makes the case for their opinion/thesis. Tips for making the case:

 Become familiar with all sides of the issue. o Understand the history of the topic. o Predict counterarguments that might be made. o Find strong support for your own perspective.

 Use statistics, reputable studies, and/or research.

 Cite experts and sources with clout. Who are you more likely to believe regarding the implication of government tax policy on business: Dr. Jared Moore professor of tax accounting at Oregon State University, or Joe Smith, Walmart clerk in Gary, IN? Be sure to introduce your experts so the reader knows they are an expert.

 Address counter arguments.

Argument: Humankind is directly contributing to global warming.

Counter Argument: This is far from certain. The models used by scientists are deeply flawed.

Rebuttal: It is indeed not a certainty, and without a doubt the models are flawed. But the wide variety of models predicting this can only lead one to believe that human contribution to global warming is highly probable. To disbelieve is to disbelieve in the preponderance of evidence.

 Be consistent. We don’t want to appear inconsistent, since, fair or not, that characteristic is associated with instability and flightiness, while consistency is associated with integrity and rational behavior.

 Comparisons. Metaphors, similes and analogies are the persuasive writer’s best friends. When you can relate your scenario to something the reader already accepts as true, you’re well on your way to convincing someone to see things your way. This is particularly helpful when trying to argue for something new or untested.

 Appeal to emotion – this is not always appropriate, but in certain instances can be powerful.

 Anecdotes – Like appealing to emotion, this technique needs to be used judiciously. In the appropriate setting a series of anecdotes can provide credible evidence for a claim.

 Reasons why - Remember the power of the word because. We don’t like to be told things or asked to take action without a reasonable explanation. When you need people to be receptive to your line of thinking, always give reasons why.

 Generating hypothetical instance: Used particularly when creating an argument and you want the reader to see a different point of view. Use cues for the reader. (e.g. suppose that, what if...)

 Clarifying a position: Think about what needs to be explained and what can be assumed.

 Making an analysis: You can analyze a problem by looking at the parts and therefore help the reader to understand. Break it apart and then put it back together in a manner that lets the reader see the logic of your argument.

 If-then statements. These statements help to demonstrate the cause (problem/solution) and effect (harm/benefit) relationship of your issue. “If workers know they face random drug testing, (then) they will have a logical reason to ‘just say no.‟”

SU014 - BA 353 TERM PAPER

Page 4 of 4

Conclusion:

A persuasive writing piece usually ends by summarizing the most important details of the argument and stating once again what the reader is to believe or do.

1. Restate your thesis or focus statement. Refer to the hook if possible to provide continuity.

2. Summarize the main points: The conclusion enables your reader to recall the main points of your position. In order to do this you can paraphrase the main points of your argument.

3. Write a personal comment or call for action. You can do this:

 With a Prediction: This can be used with a narrative or a cause and effect discussion. The conclusion may suggest or predict what the results may or may not be in the situation discussed or in similar situations.

 With a Question: Closing with a question lets your readers make their own predictions, draw their own conclusions.

 With Recommendations: A recommendations closing is one that stresses the actions or remedies that should be taken.

 With a Quotation: Since a quotation may summarize, predict, question, or call for action, you may use a quotation within a conclusion for nearly any kind of paper.

IN SUM:

As a general guideline, when writing a persuasive paper:

• Have a firm opinion you want your reader to accept.

• Begin with a hook to get the reader's attention.

• Offer evidence to support your opinion. Claims must be supported.

• Conclude with a restatement of what you want the reader to do or believe.

ADDITIONAL UNC HANDOUTS:

You will find both Evaluating Print Sources and Fallacies are helpful with persuasive writing.

Sources:

http://www.orangeusd.k12.ca.us/yorba/persuasive_writing.htm http://www.copyblogger.com/persuasive-writing/ www.owl.english.purdue.edu